It is the first morning after the cruise ship left shore, and you are out on deck sweeping, before the women will come out to lay on the deckchairs by the pool. The salty sea breeze carries the faint smell of chlorine from the pool and fresh pastries from the nearby buffet. Your broom makes a soft scratching sound against the wooden deck as you work.

After a lengthy induction that you can barely remember (the highlight was to please customers as best you can), you are just happy to get stuck into work. The sun rises over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange while seagulls cry overhead. You notice the first passengers starting to emerge from their cabins, already dressed in elegant resort wear despite the early hour.

You have never had a girlfriend, but with the money you get from this job, you are sure you can finally impress a girl enough when you get back to shore. As you finish sweeping, you spot a group of women heading toward your section of the deck, chatting loudly and laughing among themselves. This is it - your first real interaction with the passengers who will determine your success on this cruise.